Community, common sense and connection

Superintendent Joel Lamb has been formally welcomed as the Eastern District Commander, emphasizing a people-first approach to policing. He takes over from Jeanette Park, who has been promoted to Assistant Commissioner and transferred to Wellington.

Joel Lamb Appointed Eastern District Commander

Lamb was officially welcomed to the role with a pōwhiri at Napier’s Pukemokimoki Marae, attended by Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, Deputy Commissioner Mike Pannett, Assistant Commissioner Jeanette Park, and local Eastern District Leadership Team members, alongside police staff, iwi, whānau, and community representatives.

He brings 27 years of policing experience, having served across New Zealand and internationally in Jakarta. His career includes metro policing in Auckland, and postings in provincial towns such as Oamaru, Te Kuiti, and Riverton, as well as one of Southeast Asia’s busiest cities.

Lamb previously served as Officer in Charge in Riverton, Mount Manganui, and Petone. In Auckland, he held four inspector positions before becoming Area Commander and later District Prevention Manager in Southland. Most recently, he worked as the Director of Major Operations at Police National Headquarters in Wellington for the past year.

His five years in Jakarta were dedicated to combating people smuggling and human trafficking across Asia and preventing its impact on New Zealand.

Lamb stated that his core belief throughout his career has been that policing is about connection and doing what is right. As a third-generation police officer, he holds a deep respect for community-based policing.

“I love provincial policing. It’s the ability to apply common sense, to sit down and talk things through, to understand the heart of the problem, and it’s about being visible and present.”

Lamb’s vision focuses on staff well-being and public safety. “I want our staff to enjoy their jobs and feel proud to work for Police and be proud to live in the Eastern District,” he said. “And I want our officers and the public to feel safe.”

He emphasized that safety extends beyond crime statistics, encompassing trust and public confidence in approachable and responsive policing. He is committed to listening and engaging with the community.

“The best outcomes happen when we understand each other.”

Lamb has extended an open invitation to staff to approach him with ideas and concerns. He is also focused on recruitment, aiming to attract more individuals to work for police in the Eastern District. He believes the district offers opportunities within strong, resilient communities and a shared commitment to safety.